The Day I Lost It: A Story of Mom Rage, Regret, and Redemption

There’s a kind of anger that bubbles up in motherhood that I never expected. It’s not about being mean or unkind—it’s a primal, overwhelming rage that hits when your cup is empty and someone spills their juice for the fourth time in an hour.

For a long time, I didn’t talk about it. I thought I was the only one. But the truth is—mom rage is real. You’re not alone.

The Pink Picture Frame

There was a season in my life when I looked fine on the outside—put together, productive, even thriving. I was running my own business, juggling a million things, and to the world I probably seemed like I had it all under control.

But inside, I was not okay.

I was exhausted—physically, emotionally, spiritually. I was overworked, overstimulated, and stretched paper-thin by the demands of motherhood, work, and just… life. I didn’t know how to rest. I didn’t know how to be still in my own skin. I didn’t know how to ask for help.

And in the middle of all that quiet unraveling, there was a moment I’ll never forget.

My son was seven. He was chattering away, asking question after question, just trying to be near me. I was half-listening while frantically cleaning my room and scanning my phone for work notifications. He didn’t need anything urgent—he just wanted me. My full presence. My undivided attention.

But I was too depleted to give it.

Instead, I snapped.

On the dresser sat a pink picture frame he had made for me at school. It was decorated with beads and love, with a smiling photo of him in the center and the word “MOMMY” spelled out in crooked, colorful letters.

I picked it up and slammed it back down.

The beads from the pink handmade frame flew off on impact, scattering across the floor.

I still remember the sound of them rolling away. Tiny, bright pieces of something he made with his whole heart, now skittering into corners like they didn’t matter.

He flinched.

And just like that, his joy dimmed. His spirit folded in on itself.

I didn’t rush to repair it. I didn’t hug him or tell him I was sorry. I doubled down, raised my voice, and told him he needed to be more considerate of me being busy. I was the adult—but I didn’t act like one.

I carry that moment with me.

I apologized later, of course. And my son, in the way only children seem capable of, forgave me with his full heart. But that memory is etched in both of us. A moment of pain I can’t undo—but one I’ve tried to learn from.

Now, when I feel myself on the verge of spiraling, I remember the pink frame. I remember the beads. I remember the look in his eyes. And I try—really try—to pause. To breathe. To soften before I shatter something again.

To every parent who has found themselves in that kind of moment: I see you. I am you.

Mom rage is real. It doesn’t come from nowhere. It comes from what we battle— like exhaustion, isolation, hormonal issues and the weight of carrying more than you were ever meant to hold alone.

You are not a bad parent.

You are a human being who needs rest, support, and grace.

We need to become more self-aware, yes. But we also need to become more self-compassionate.

We’ve all been there. And we are still worthy of love, of growth, and of forgiveness—including our own.

What Causes Mom Rage?

Psychologists say it often stems from unmet needs: sleep deprivation, decision fatigue, sensory overload, lack of support. It’s less about the spilled juice and more about the mental load we carry silently.

What Helps:

✅ Recognize the Warning Signs – Clenched jaw? Shallow breathing? These are your body’s signals.

✅ Take a Pause – Step away, even for one minute. A breath, a prayer, a drink of water.

✅ Talk About It – Shame thrives in silence. Naming it out loud helps loosen its grip.

✅ Get Support – Therapy, journaling, or just a trusted friend can make a difference. The community you’ll find in the Parenthood Together Group may be able to help!

Books That Don’t Sugarcoat It:

📌 What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey – A trauma-informed lens on emotional responses

📌 No Bad Kids by Janet Lansbury – A calm, practical guide to toddler behavior

📌 Mom Rage by Minna Dubin – A deeply validating look at what so many of us feel → Shop Now

Let’s stop pretending. Let’s start supporting each other. There’s no room for shame here.

→ Have you ever experienced mom rage? What helped? We’d love to hear your story in the Parenthood Together group.